Pentagon weighs pulling nearly a third of U.S. forces from Europe
The plan could cut nearly a third of U.S. forces in Europe and has drawn concern from NATO allies, officials said.
- On Thursday, the Pentagon confirmed it is weighing a plan to withdraw between 25,000 and 40,000 troops from Europe, representing the most significant scaling back of the 80,000-strong U.S. presence since the 1990s.
- A six-month review of U.S. military posture follows previous reductions, including about 5,000 troops ordered out of Germany earlier in 2026 and President Donald Trump's roughly 12,000-troop withdrawal from Germany in 2020.
- NATO allies warn that a large-scale withdrawal could weaken the deterrent potential against Russian aggression, as the administration weighs pulling troops from the continent despite allied concerns.
- Roughly one-third of all U.S. forces currently stationed in Europe could be affected; critics accused the Trump administration of aligning with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with former GOP congressman Joe Walsh calling him a "Russian asset."
- Former U.S. ambassador Michael McFaul questioned, "What US national security interest would this decision advance?" while investigative journalist Robert van der Noordaa declared, "Trump is helping Putin to attack Europe.
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79 Articles
Reductions can affect Germany, Italy, and Spain most, but the US is discussing an increased presence in Poland.
The Pentagon is considering a plan to withdraw planes, ships, weapons and tens of thousands of American soldiers from Europe, despite warnings from NATO allies about the growing threat from Russia. The reduction could include about a third of all American troops in Europe, or about 25,000 soldiers. According to some officials, the cut could be even greater and reach up to half of the troops, or about 40,000 soldiers, NBC reports. If implemented,…
According to a report by NBC, the US is considering withdrawing up to 40,000 troops from Europe – half of the troops stationed here. A final decision is still pending.
According to NBC, the Pentagon is preparing plans to withdraw up to 40,000 American troops from Europe. If the withdrawal happens suddenly, it risks pulling the rug out from under European defense, Berlingske's international correspondent estimates.
The Pentagon is considering withdrawing about 25,000 US troops from Europe, and according to one scenario, their number could be reduced from 80,000 to 40,000, US television NBC News reported on Thursday, as quoted by TVP World.
The U.S. military contingent in Europe, including combat aircraft, ships, weaponry and troops, could be reduced by a third, sources told NBC News.
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